Vaccination and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis of observational studies

This meta-analysis aims to explore the potential link between vaccines and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for observational studies from inception to September 3, 2023, using medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords. Study quality was assessed using the NOS scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (version 14.0). Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's regression.

The meta-analysis incorporated 17 studies, encompassing 45,067,349 individuals with follow-up periods ranging from 0.5 to 2 years. The pooled analysis revealed no significant association between vaccinations and an increased risk of SLE [OR = 1.14, 95% CI (0.86-1.52), I² = 78.1%, P = 0.348]. Subgroup analyses indicated that HBV vaccination was significantly associated with an elevated risk of SLE [OR =2.11, 95% CI (1.11-4.00), I² = 63.3%, P = 0.02], HPV vaccination was slightly associated with an increased risk of SLE [OR = 1.43, 95% CI (0.88-2.31), I² = 72.4%, P = 0.148], influenza vaccination showed no association with an increased risk of SLE [OR = 0.96, 95% CI (0.82-1.12), I² = 0.0%, P = 0.559], and COVID-19 vaccine was marginally associated with a decreased risk of SLE [OR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.18-1.21), I² = 91.3%, P = 0.118].

This study suggests that vaccinations are not linked to an increased risk of SLE. Our meta-analysis results provide valuable insights, alleviating concerns about SLE risk post-vaccination and supporting further vaccine development efforts.